Cole Hamels was suspended five games and fined a staggering $460,000 not for hitting Bryce Harper with a pitch, but for admitting that he did so intentionally...even though the whole world knew it was intentional. In fact, when Harper stepped into the batter's box, I told my wife and kids he was going to get plunked. And I knew Hamels was going to get hit in his at bat.

I figured a suspension was coming, but the fine is silly. Baseball players, especially in the National League, have historically done a better job policing on-field issues than the league or even the umpires. Neither team had a problem with the beanings. There was no head hunting.

Harper was 18 when he played here in Harrisburg last summer, and while his talent is undeniable, he is a first class jerk, who stood at home plate blowing kisses at the pitcher after hitting a homerun...with his team trailing.